The Boston Celtics came back from a 24-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals on Thursday.
The Lakers were up 35-14 at the end of the first quarter and 58-40 at halftime. However, the Celtics rallied in the second half to beat the Lakers, 97-91, at the Staples Center.
No Finals team had ever overcome more than a 15-point deficit after the first quarter. The loss was also the Lakers' first in this year's playoffs.
Paul Pierce scored 20 points for the Celtics, while Kevin Garnett had 16 points and 11 rebounds and Ray Allen had 19 points. Pierce added seven assists as well.
Boston's comeback included a 21-3 run over the final five minutes, capped off by a reverse lay-up by Allen to seal the game.
Coming off of a 36-point performance in Game 3, Kobe Bryant had just 19 points on 6-of-19 shooting, but he added 10 assists and four steals. Lamar Odom scored 15 of his 19 points in the first quarter, adding 10 rebounds, while Pau Gasol had 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Celtics now lead the series 3-1, just one win away from the NBA championship. No team in NBA history has recovered from a 3-1 deficit to win the championship.
Game 5 will be played on Sunday at 9pm EST in the Staples Center.
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